A “hit-and-run” affair – A possible link for cancer progression in virally driven cancers

• Published in: Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer Vol. 1875; no. 1; p. 188476
• Main Authors: Ferreira, Danyelle A., Tayyar, Yaman, Idris, Adi, McMillan, Nigel A.J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.01.2021
• Subjects: Cell Transformation, Neoplastic - genetics; Disease Progression; Genomic Instability - genetics; Hit-and-run theory; Humans; Mutation - genetics; Neoplasms - genetics; Neoplasms - pathology; Neoplasms - virology; Oncogene; Oncogenes - genetics; Oncogenesis; Oncogenic Viruses - genetics; Oncogenic Viruses - pathogenicity; Viral loss; Virus; Hit-and-run theory; PLC; BL; HPV; HPyVs; VZV; KSHV; Viral loss; EBV; HTLV-1; HBV; Oncogene; KS; Oncogenesis; HCC; MCPyV; NMSC; BKV; MCC; MCD; Virus; SCC; NPCs; PEL; SV40; ATL; HCV; HD; JCV
• ISSN: 0304-419X; 1879-2561
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188476

It is well-known that certain cancers are caused by viruses. However, viral oncogenesis is complex and only a small fraction of the infected people develop cancer. Indeed, a number of environmental factors can contribute to virally infected cells developing cancer hallmarks, promoting tumorigenesis. The hit-and-run theory proposes that viruses facilitate the accumulation of mutations and promote genomic instability until the virus becomes dispensable for tumour maintenance. Indeed, several studies have reported viral genome, episome and/or oncogene loss in tumour cells without losing malignant phenotype. The current evidence supports the clear contribution of certain viruses to develop cancers. Importantly, the evidence supporting the sustained maintenance of malignancy after the loss of viral “presence” is sufficient to support the hit-and-run hypothesis of viral cancer development. Long-term tracking of vaccination outcome over the decades will test this theory. If the hit-and-run theory is true, viruses might cause more cancers than previously thought and will have implications in the prevention of many cancers through implementing vaccination programs. [Display omitted] •Viruses may cause cancers at early stages, but become dispensable over time to preserve its malignant phenotype•Tumour viruses may tumour cells to accumulate mutations and proliferate independently of viral presence•Viruses might be responsible for more cancers than previously thought•Vaccination programs might prevent many cancers if the ‘hit and run’ theory is true